“Leadership in the Face of Adversity” February 17 UIC Family Business Council Inspirational Education Program

CHICAGO , February 08 /Businesswire/ - University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Family Business Council (FBC) members Jim Flanagan of Nuance Solutions, Bill Avellone of Chartered Management, Donna McCaleb of Noland Sales and Sara Poss of Shapes Supply will share their adversities – and how they ultimately persevered – on Wednesday, February 17 at the Elysian Hotel. Please join us for our educational program: “Leadership in the Face of Adversity,” inspired by best-selling author Jim Collins' new book, “How the Mighty Fall.” This hopeful book focuses on how recognizing identifiable markers can help companies avoid a decline and offers advice on effectively reacting to tailspins and reversing their direction.

For the past 15 years, the UIC FBC has provided a safe and welcoming environment for CEOs, emerging leaders and key employees to share best practices through peer-to-peer forums. The forum and its protocol are the backbone of the organization’s membership experience, providing support and best practices from trusting advisors. The intimate “Leadership in the Face of Adversity” program aims to provide a similar educational experience with four members whose businesses faced extreme challenges, yet ultimately succeeded.

“Unforeseen change has always been the greatest challenge facing every business owner,” says FBC President Cari Murray-Kremer. “This past year, we have seen a tsunami of change that has negatively affected every aspect of our lives. Any size company can stumble, yet pull themselves back from the abyss through perseverance.”

This event will be held at the new Elysian Hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Additional event information and registration is available at http://winter2010.uicfbc.com. Registration includes the “Leadership in the Face of Adversity” program, a networking cocktail reception and dinner.

Founded in 1994, the UIC Family Business Council, a non-profit, was formed with the belief that family and closely held businesses offer a challenging and fulfilling way to create a legacy for themselves and society. At the same time, the FBC offers an opportunity for business leaders of all backgrounds and interests to share experiences and proven best practices.